I’m Liz, and I’m currently in Running Start at Cascadia Community College working toward my associate degree in pre-nursing. Outside of school, I love listening to Daniel Caesar, going thrifting, and eating good food—basically anything that helps me unwind from classes.
I chose community college mostly because my brother did it first and my mom encouraged me to follow the same route. At the time, it felt like something I was just supposed to do, but once I got into it, I realized how much of an opportunity it really was. I’m getting two years of college done for free while still in high school, and that has already saved me more money than most of my peers who stayed on the traditional high school track.
My plan from here is to transfer to a university and earn my bachelor’s in nursing. I want to become an RN—maybe in pediatrics or the NICU, but honestly I’m open to wherever the work takes me. I’m not sure yet if I’ll eventually pursue a nurse practitioner path, but it’s something I keep in the back of my mind.
Higher education matters to me because it opens doors. It gives you a chance to get ahead and, depending on how you structure your journey, it can save you a lot of money. Community college has shown me that there are smart, affordable ways to build a future.
College overall, though, is definitely not affordable. Universities and many four-year colleges are way too expensive. I haven’t personally faced major financial barriers, but I’ve watched so many of my community college classmates struggle. For people who don’t have access to programs like Running Start, the cost can be a huge barrier.
That’s why guaranteeing the first two years of community or technical college would make such a difference. It would give students the same kind of head start I’m getting—real college credits without the financial pressure. It would help more people stay on track, explore their options, and keep going instead of getting discouraged before they even begin.
When it comes to basic needs—housing, food, transportation, childcare—I think students absolutely need more support. I’m not very familiar with the benefit hub or wraparound services at my college, but I know extra help would make a big difference for those who are carrying more weight than I am.
Career advising is another area that could be strengthened. I haven’t really used it because it’s not advertised much, and researching things on my own has been easier. I’m sure it could offer helpful guidance about job pathways or nursing specialties, but right now it feels like something you’d only find if you already knew to look for it.
For me, Running Start and community college have been the best path I could’ve taken. I’m earning a degree, saving money, and preparing for a future in nursing—all before I even graduate high school. I want more students to have that chance, whether or not they start out knowing exactly where they want to end up.